Conceptual Studio Photoshoot : Natcos - The Pengait Singkarad do Misangod

Hello everyone in the Photography Lover Community. How are you guys? I hope all of you are having a great time and always be healthy.

Today I wanted to share another studio photoshoot with the concept of "Pengait". Wearer, Daniel Hansen.

The "Pengait" is the term for the headhunters (Mangayou) used in the Borneo Island especially here in Sabah Malaysia.

The "Pengait" was last active approximately one century ago. The Island of Borneo has been known as "The Land of the Headhunters" because of this tradition.

The "Pengait" or Headhunters job was to collect an enemy warrior's head during the war or defense during an invasion by other enemy to the home territory.

This act of collecting the head of the enemy was known as "Misangod". This was also their proof of victory and the head become the trophy. This "Misangod" also have different purpose such as expanding the home territory, marriage purpose and possession of spirit.

This national costume was designed and made by a friend of mine, Bobby Brian Garon. He is a very talented designer. He took around 500 hours to complete this national costume. Start from idea, designing, material choices, constructing and improvisation of the design until the final products.

The design was inspired by the legendary warrior and unique element in Borneo mostly from the indigenous tribes, tradition and culture including the nature as well.

Portraying the bravery and the manliness of dashing embroideries, brocades, handcraft metal including woods and various pattern of laces.

Focusing on color of gold and red to signify power, pride and wealth.

On the back side, It portrayed the gruesome and a manliness of a warrior holding a skull, sword to kill their enemy and the headgear with skull design to show power and authority.

On the front side, It portrayed the spirit of a dashing prince that rules his territory with pride, dignity and authority. Honoring the wealth and uniqueness of the one and only true ruler.

Photographer	Hive account@tawadak24
Camera	Sony A7iii | 28mm-70mm f3.5-f5.6
Editing Software	Adobe Photoshop CC